- Address: 119 08 Prague 1, Czech Republic
- Website: hrad.cz
- Phone: +420 224 373 368
- Architects: Peter Parler, Mathieu Arras
- Architectural styles: Baroque, Mannerism
- Foundation date: IX-X century
The capital of the Czech Republic - Prague - is the most real dream of ordinary tourists, honeymooners, seasoned travelers and many other people for whom this city is firmly associated with romance and incredible masterpieces of ancient architecture. And one of the most popular attractions in the Czech Republic and Prague itself is the Prague Castle. It is a symbol of the country and a majestic fortress, a national treasure that every visitor is eager to see.
Description of the Prague Castle
The most famous mountain in the capital of the Czech Republic is the Petrin Hill . Prague Castle on the map of Prague is located almost in the center of the city: on the left bank of the Vltava River in the easternmost part of the cliff that stretches beyond the hill. On the southern side it ends with the Mala-Country area , and on the north side it is delineated by the Deer moat. Prague Castle is located in the historical district of the capital - under the name of Gradchany.
Fortress Prague Castle is not just one building, but a whole complex that combines defensive fortifications, temples and other buildings that are built around the perimeter of St. George Square, Irzhskaya Street and three main yards. The total area of all buildings of the Prague Castle is more than 7 hectares. The castle is also a cultural heritage of UNESCO.
The main architectural height and peculiarity of the Prague Castle is St. Vitus Cathedral . Currently, the castle is the residence of the President of the Czech Republic, and in the distant past here lived the kings and even the Roman emperors. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the fortress is considered to be the largest presidential residence in the world in terms of area, as well as the largest fortification structure.
History of the Prague Castle
The approximate date of the foundation of the Prague Castle is 880 AD. The founder of the memorial is Prince Borzhiva of the Přemyslid dynasty. The remains of the very first stone building - the temple of the Virgin Mary - have survived to this day. Historians believe that it was here that the coronation ceremonies of many Czech rulers and city archbishops took place.
A little later in the 10th century the basilica and the monastery of St. George were built. St. Vitus Cathedral appeared only in the XI century. The seat of the permanent residence of the emperor of the Roman Empire became the Prague Castle during the reign of Charles IV. From that moment the palace was rebuilt many times, new fortifications appeared, defense was being built up, new watchtowers were being built. After all, about the treasures of the Prague Castle a thousand years ago there were legends. Later, King Vladislav rebuilt the grandiose hall.
Since 1526, the castle of Prague Castle was in the power of the Habsburg dynasty and gradually acquired the architectural style of the Renaissance. In the same period appeared the Ballroom and Belvedere Palace. At Rudolf II the construction was completed. In 1989, part of the buildings were open to tourists.
What to see?
In the Prague Castle in Prague, even a visiting tourist will always find something to see: three courtyards and many majestic buildings of all styles of architecture of the last millennium. The ancient castle of Prague Castle offers you the following attractions:
- St. Vitus Cathedral in the center of Prague Castle is the most important Catholic church in Prague;
- The Picture Gallery of Prague Castle is a stunning and oldest collection of XVII century paintings in the Czech Republic: canvases of Dutch, German, Flemish and Italian masters;
- Lobkowicz Palace - ancestral nest of an old family and the only private property in the Prague Castle;
- The gardens of the Prague Castle , to which the Queen Anne's Summer Palace also belongs, is the merit of King Ferdinand I.
The full list of the attractions of the Castle consists of 65 elements.
The pride of Prague Castle is the daily honorary change of the guard, which runs from 7:00 to 20:00, solemn - at 12:00.
Planning a tour of the Prague Castle in Prague and Hradcany is two days: to take all the photos and get to know the national pride of the Czech Republic as much as possible. Panoramic pictures of the Prague Castle can be made from any metropolitan observation platform. Museums of the fortress store jewelry, historical documents, canvases and religious artifacts. The most frequent excursions are in the Small Circle of Prague Castle, which includes a visit to the Cathedral, the St. George's Basilica, the Old Royal Palace, the Golden Street and the Daliborka Tower. For a full inspection of the entire Royal City, Prague Castle and Hradcany, you will leave at least a week.
How to get to Prague Castle?
There are several options for getting to the Prague Castle. The simplest is to use the taxi service or visit the landmark as part of a comprehensive excursion or with a personal guide. If you are planning to find a road on your own, then there are three ways to get to Prague Castle:
- by tram No. 22 to the stop Pražský hrad;
- on foot;
- by metro to Malostranská station.
Opening hours of Prague Castle: from 5:00 to 24:00 every day of the week, and in the winter from 6:00 to 23:00. Thematic exhibitions and museums of the complex work from 9:00 to 17:00 daily, in winter - close one hour earlier. But in the grand halls of the palace you can only get on the Day of Liberation from Fascism (May 8) and on the Day of the Establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic (October 28). The threshold of Christmas is December 24th - a day off.
Entrance to Prague Castle is paid: a ticket for a comprehensive inspection will cost you $ 15. If you want to visit separately certain palaces and museums of Prague Castle, then the ticket price for each entrance is from $ 2. Free visit only to courtyards. The ticket is valid on the date of purchase and the next day before closing. You can also use the guide-guide service. Some experts, besides the Czech, English and Slovak languages, conduct excursions and in Russian.